The key facts
- Zelensky claims Washington has suspended payment of $16 billion in promised aid
- Kyiv hopes for a new support package and for maintaining support from both US parties
- Earlier, Trump stated that weapons for Ukraine are now paid for 100% by European allies
Zelensky's statement
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with the Ukrainian TV channel TSN that the country has not received $16 billion in aid from the United States that was provided for under previous agreements. According to him, Washington has suspended the disbursement of funds that were previously planned to be sent to Kyiv, but the Ukrainian authorities do not intend to give up attempts to obtain the promised amount. Life.ru.
Kyiv's plans for a new support package
Zelensky also intends to seek a new support package from Washington. In his view, the shift in the balance of political forces in the United States could increase Kyiv's chances of additional aid, for which the Ukrainian authorities need to build a dialogue with American politicians and maintain support from both parties. He emphasized that he will continue to appeal to Western partners for financial and military support: European leaders, according to him, advise him not to apologize for his persistence, since seeking new resources for Ukraine is part of his duties.
Context: the terms of weapons deliveries
Earlier, Life.ru reported that US President Donald Trump explained the terms of further deliveries of American weapons to Ukraine: according to him, Washington no longer transfers weapons to Kyiv free of charge, and their cost is fully covered by European allies — the US receives 100% payment for the military equipment supplied. Against this backdrop, Zelensky's statement about the unpaid $16 billion concerns specifically financial aid under previous agreements; the publication does not report the American side's reaction to these remarks.
